Thermostatically responsive mixing valves



w. E. BELLER 2,898,045

THERMOSTATICALLY RESPONSIVE MIXING VALVES 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 4, 1959Filed D60. 14, 1955 w. E. BEL- LER 2,898,045 THEIRMOSTATICALLYRESPONSIVE MIXING VALVES Filed Dec. 14, 1955 Aug. 4, 1959 I 4Sheets-Sheet 2 j/ZMQWE g- 4, 195-9 w. E. BELLER 2,898,045

THERMOSTATICALLY RESPONSIVE MIXING VALVES Filed Dec. 14, 1955 4Sheets-Sheet 5 WW 2 M aw? 7 5 I P 5 [Z Aug. 4, 1959 w. E. BELLER2,393,045

THEIRMOSTATICALLY RESPONSIVE' MIXING VALVES Filed Dec. 14, 1955 4Sheets-Sheet 4 I Z7 6 10 {9' J12 114 atent Ofiice 2,898,045 PatentedAug. 4, 1959 THERMOSTATICALLY RESPONSIVE MIXING VALVES Wilbert E.Beller, Park Ridge, 11]., assig'nor, by mesne assignments, to ControlsCompany of America, Schiller Park, Ill., a corporation of DelawareApplication December 14, 1955, Serial No. 553,062

3 Claims. (Cl. 236-12) This invention relates in general to valves andmore particularly to thermostatically responsive mixing valves for usein automatic devices wherein liquids of various preselected temperaturesare required for the successful operation of such devices.

Briefly, my present invention is directed to improvements inthermostatic mixing valve means embodying remotely operated pilotcontrol valve means and a thermostatically responsive mixing assembly.The valve is normally supplied with two liquids of distinct anddissimilar temperature, the discharge of said supply liquids through thevalve being controlled by individual pilot control valve means. Inaddition, a third pilot control valve means is provided for selectivelycontrolling the discharge of thermostatically controlled intermixturesof said supply liquids. The total assembly is so arranged that each ofthe pilot control valve means may be operated independently orsimultaneously with one or both of the other pilot control valve means.The thermostatically operated mixing assembly is arranged to proportionthe amounts of supply fluids introduced into a central mixing chamber toachieve thereby an intermixed product of preselected temperature. Meansare embodied in the valve assembly whereby both of the supply fluids mayindividually bypass the mixing assembly so that such fluids can passdirectly through the valve to a point of utility at substantiallyunaltered temperature. By selectively operating the three pilot controlvalve means embodied in the device, discharge liquids or fluids of anyone of seven preselected temperature ranges may be achieved.

The improved valve of this invention finds general utility in suchdevices as automatic washing machines, dish-washers, or devices of alike character requiring different temperatured liquids for theirsuccessful operation. My present valve parallels, but constitutes animprovement and advancement over the valve disclosed in my copendingapplication Serial No. 547,110, filed November 16, 1955, now Patent No.2,830,765, dated April 15, 1958, and entitled Mixing Valve.

One of the principal disadvantages of known mixing valves of the generalclass to which the present invention pertains, resides in theirinability to provide discharge fluids having a wide range of preselectedtemperatures.

Normally, a valve of this general class will discharge liquids attemperatures substantially equivalent to the temperatures of the twosupply liquids or a single preselected intermixture of such supplyliquids. Thus the usual valve of this class produces or dischargesfluids of three preselected temperatures. My present valve is designedand intended to produce and discharge liquids of seven distinctpreselected temperatures.

The valve of this invention, like the valve of my above referred tocopending application, presents a unique and concentric internallabyrinth or chamber system in which fluids under pressure areintroduced, the arrangement being such that the fluid of highestpressure is contained or carried in the innermost chamber of thelabyrinth to diminish inherent danger of bursting the valve body bylessening the differential of pressures on opposite sides of the chamberWall. This construction also permits a reduction in wall thicknessbetween the several chambers of the labyrinth thereby reducing overallweight, cost and size for a valve body of given cubic displacement. Thisconstruction further provides a definite improved safety factor in theevent of high pressure rupture since the outer concentric chamber actsas safety barrier against the high pressure fluids carried in theinternal or innermost chamber. Other features of my device are directedto improved means for sensing the mixed water temperatures at locationsrelatively close to the chamber in which such liquids are mixed andprior to the discharge of such mixed liquids from the mixing chamber, tothe end that the temperature sensed may be asserted on the temperatureresponsive device preliminary to the discharge of the mixed liquid, thusto provide improved control of the discharge product. Additionalfeatures of my invention are directed to the definition of a mixingchamber means which is completely independent of the main housing of thevalve, thereby facilitating easier assembly, manufacture and a generallymore eflicient device capable of diversification as well as improvedflow and direction control, as will appear presently hereinafter.

Among the objects of my invention is the provision of a new and improvedthermostatically operated mixing valve of a simple, more economicalconstruction and assembly and providing a diversified range oftemperature control.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mixing valve of thecharacter aforesaid having a one-piece valve body construction providedwith at least two fluid inlet passages for introduction of dissimilartemperature supply fluids; partial intake control of such fluids beingthrough improved pilot valve mechanisms and the further control of atleast a portion of such intake or supply fluids being accomplished by aninternally disposed mixing assembly.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved mixing valvehaving a concentric chamber system whereby the flow chambers are locatedone within the other, thereby offering simple molding or machining forfacilitating manufacture of the valve body, and in addition, permittingincreasd flow rate for given cubic displacement of the valve body.

A still additional object of this invention is to provide a new andimproved mixing valve having a unitary valve housing embodying threemain valve mechanisms, each capable of discharging into a common outlet.

vide a mixing valve of the character set forth in the object immediatelyhereinabove, whereby energizing the three main pilot control valvemechanisms as selected, permits a common discharge outlet to delivereither one of two supply liquids at substantially unaltered temperature,a thermostatically controlled mixture of such two supply liquids, or afurther mixture of said thermostatic mixture and either or both of thesupply liquids .as selected.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedmixing valve of the character aforesaid in which two supply liquids ofdissimilar temperature are admitted to the valve body and through theselective operation of one or a combination of two or more pilot controlvalve mechanisms, a discharge of either of said supply liquidssubstantially and at unaltered temperatures or a thermostaticallycontrolled intermixture of said supply liquids or in addition, anycombination of such supply liquids and said intermixture may take place,totalling seven possible straight or intermixed liquids havingtemperatures ranging from unaltered first supply liquid temperature tothe second supply liquid temperature.

The above and further objects, features and advantages of this inventionwill become apparent to those familiar with the art from the followingdescription of its features and elements, and will be readily moreunderstandable with reference from time to time to a preferredembodiment of its concepts as found in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the valve of this invention with partsbroken away to show the internal arrangement employed;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view with parts shown in cross-sectiontaken substantially from vantage line 22 of Figure 1, and looking in thedirection of the arrows thereon; I

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 33 of Figure 1, and looking in the direction of the arrowsthereon;

Figure 4 is an enlarged partial top plan view, similar to Figure 1, withparts removed to show details of the interior chamber arrangementemployed in the valve of this invention.

Figure 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially alongvantage line 5-5 of Figure 3, and looking in the direction of the arrowsthereon;

Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 66 of Figure1; and

Figure 7 is a partial bottom plan view taken substantially from vantageline 77 of Figure 3.

While the drawings illustrate an improved device embodying my inventionand demonstrate its general broad features of construction, such has notbeen shown in relation to any particular apparatus, electrical source orliquid sources, since such items do not constitute portions of mypresent invention other than as means requisite for its successfuloperation, as will be readily understood by those familiar with the art.

The mixing valve of this invention, indicated generally at 10 in Figure1, is intended to admix hot and cold water in preselected proportions togain a mixed discharge product of preselected intermediate temperaturesand likewise such valve is capable of discharging hot or cold waterdirectly without admixture. The valve, as mentioned, has particularutility in automatic washing machines in which the washing and rinsingcycles require water of several preselected temperatures.

In the particular construction and embodiment of my invention shown inthe drawings, I provide a main valve body 11 housing three shut off orpilot control valve mechanisms, namely, a hot water control valvemechanism 12, a cold water control valve mechanism 13 and a mixed watercontrol valve mechanism 14. A mixing assembly, indicated generally at15, is disposed substantially centrally of housing 11, and such isthermostatically controlled in response to temperatures of the hot andcold supply liquids according to preselected ambients.

The main valve body 11 is preferably constructed by molding a plasticmaterial, such as nylon or the like, or in some instances it may bepreferable to employ cast brass, bronze, or similar materials. In anyevent, the main body 11 includes a hot water inlet 16 (see Figures 2 and3) formed by a boss projection 17 threaded for connection with a hose orpipe coupling, such boss 17 projecting outwardly of lower wall 18 of themain valve body 11. A similar externally threaded boss 19 defines a coldwater inlet 20, with the two inlet means being disposed in side by sideprojecting relationship at the bottom side of the valve body. The valvebody 11 is defined generally by a substantially cylindrical exteriorwall 21 having four lateral projecting portions or bosses 22, 23, 24 and25 (see Figures 1 and 5).

Boss 22 is formed as a hollowed out cylinder for receiving the hot watercontrol valve mechanism 12. Boss 23 is likewise formed for receiving thecold water control valve mechanism 13 and boss 24 is constituted forreceiving the mixed water control valve mechanism 14. The boss 25 issuitably threaded on its exterior as at 26,.

and such defines a discharge outlet 27 leading from theinterior of thevalve body 11. Formed interiorly of the: main body 11 is a substantiallyannular discharge cham-- ber 28, best shown in Figures 4 and 5, and acylindrical central mixing chamber 29 located slightly to one side of'the central vertical axis of the main valve body. Such chamber 29 isarranged to receive and house the mixing;

mechanism 15.

The upper end of the valve body is suitably fianged' outwardly to definea substantially oval-shaped platform portion 30, as best shown inFigures 4 and 7 of the drawings, which is characterized by a pluralityof ear projections 31 at its periphery receptive of bolts 32 which serveto fasten down a cover plate 33.

The flange or platform portion 30 is invaded from its upper end by asubstantially oval-shaped recess or chamber 34 which is enclosed bymounting the cover plate 33 in position over a suitable gasket member 35held in a slot or depression 36 formed inwardly of the upper face of theplatform portion.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the construction of themain body member 11 is suitable to molding or casting operations andincludes the internal chambering specified plus suitable passagewaymeans for interconnecting the internal chambers and associated valveoperating mechanisms as will now be described.

With reference to Figure 2, 3 and 7 of the drawings, the boss portion 17defines an internal inlet chamber 40 for the intake of a first fluid, inthis particular instance hot water. Chamber 40 is divided by an internalWeb 'wall 41 into two chamber passageway portions 42 and 43. Chamberportion 43 communicates laterally with the lower end of the centralchamber 29 via outlet opening or passageway means 44. Chamber portion 42leads directly to the hollow interior of boss projection 22, andparticularly to an annular seat 45 at one end of a cylindrical pilotmetering chamber 46 defined by the interior of boss projection 22.

A passageway means 47 is formed between the inner end of chamber 46 andthe substantially annular discharge chamber 28; such passageway 47 beingdefined at one end by the annular seat 45. It will thus be recognizedthat hot water entering chamber portion 42 may flow directly past seat45, and via passageway 47 into the discharge chamber 28; the control ofsuch flow being efiected by the operation of the first solenoid operatedcontrol valve assembly 12 which is mounted coaxially of the projectingboss portion 22 and constructed substantially in accordance with thedisclosure found in my copending application, Serial No. 469,207, filedNovember 6, 1954, for Valve Device.

While the disclosure herein shows an electrical solenoid means 48 foroperating the pilot valve assembly 12, and while this is a preferredmode of controlling the flow of hot water through chamber 47, it is alsopermissible and contemplated within thescope of this invention that suchpilot control valve means may be either mechanically or manuallyoperated according to known principles.

Hot water present in the discharge chamber 28 follows the substantiallyannular course thereof to an outlet chamber 49 formed within the hollowinterior of the discharge projection 25 according to the selectiveoperation of the solenoid means 48.

In general, operation of the solenoid means 48 serves to control openingand closing of the valve mechanism 12.

The solenoid means 48 includes a coil SIT-mounted concentrically about atubularhousing 51 having aclosure portion 52 at its one end forsealing-over the open end of the boss portion 22. The housing 51 isbolted to the open end of boss'22 over a gasket means 51a and inaddition to supporting the coilcontains a compression spring 53 at itsclosed outer-end for 'biasing a core member 54 bearing a needle valveportion 55, toward a resilient gasket 56 of the pilot control valve.Gasket 56 is held by a metal cage means 57 provided with the usual bleedopening 58 necessary for the successful operation of this class ofvalve.- An annular strainer 59 is also held by the cage 57concentrically about the gasket 56in the pilot valve assembly.

The operation of a pilot valve 'means, such as the assembly 12,commences with the passage of the water through the strainer means 59and bleed port 58 to the outer or solenoid side of the gasket means 56.When the solenoid coil 50 is de-energized, as illustrated particularlyin Figures 3 or 5, the needle valve portion of the core member 54 servesto close over a central opening 60 formed through the gasket member.Thus the pressure on the solenoid side of the gasket member 56 is builtup and serves to seat the same tightly against the annular seat 45. Whensolenoid coil 50 is energized, however, the core member 54 isresponsively drawn away from the gasket member 56 to compress spring 53and open the central passageway 60 of such gasket member. The passageway60 is of larger diameter than the bleed port 58 and thereby an unbalanceof pressure occurs on the gasket member serving to lift the same off ofthe seat 45 and permit the passage of water directly into chamber 47 andthe substantially annular discharge chamber means 28.

A full and more complete description of the features 1 and operation ofthis type of pilot control valve assembly may be found in my abovereferred to copending application Serial No. 469,207. It should berecognized that while the pilot control valve means 12 is termed hereina hot water control valve assembly, such serves to control only part ofthe hot water entering inlet means 16, since the internal web wall 41splits the stream of such hot water into two portions, one of whichstreams or portions advances to the control of the pilot valve assembly12, and the other which passes into the lower end of central mixingchamber 29 via passageway means: 44 for purposes to be amplifiedhereinafter.

Cold water entering inlet means 20 at the threaded. boss member 19 whichdefines a hollow inlet chamber 65,. is diverted into two streams by aweb wall 66, similar to web wall 41 0f the hot water inlet, but relatedsub stantially transversely with respect to the plane of the latter.Part of the incoming cold water is separated to one side of wall 66 andpasses upwardly via passage-- way means 67, to the upper end of thecentral cylindricah chamber 29 of the valve body which is defined by a.substantially cylindrical wall 68, seen best in Figures 3 and 5 of thedrawings. In this regard, note that passage-- way 67 is formed withinwall 68 at an enlarged or thick-- ened section 69 thereof.

Leading from chamber within the inlet boss por=- tion 19 and on theopposite side of wall 66 from. the passageway means 67 is a secondpassageway means 70'- -(see Figures 4 and 5) which is intersectedadjacent its. upper end by a transversely related passageway means: 71leading to the cold water pilot control valve means: or assembly 13.Relationship of passageways 70 and. 71 may best be understood byobserving Figure 5 of the: drawings.

It will be recalled that the cold water pilot control valve mechanism 13is housed within the hollow interior." of the projecting boss portion 23which is related sub-- stantially at right angles to the boss 22 housingthe hot. water pilot control valve mechanism 12. The pilot control valvemechanism 13 is similar in all respects to pilot 1 6 control valvemechanism 12 and includesa resilient gasket means74 having a centralorifice 75 supported by cage means 76 having a bleed port 77 andincluding a strainer screen 78. The pilot valve gasket 74 and itsrelated or associated parts are housed in a substantially cylindricalchamber 79 formed by the hollowed out interior of the boss portion 23.The gasket 74 is arranged to seaton a substantially annular valve seatportion 80 leading to a discharge passageway portion 81 whichcommunicates with the substantially annular discharge chamber 28.Opening and closing of the central aperture 75 of the gasket member iseffected by the movement of solenoid core member 82 having a needlevalve portion 83 at one end which contacts the gasket member; such corememher being housed in a tubular housing 84 having a closure portion 85which with gasket 85:: seals off the open end of the boss portion 23,such being held in position by bolt means 86 (see Figure 5). Anelectrical solenoid coil 87 is mounted about the housing 84- all in :amanner similar to the solenoid assembly 48 theretofore described inassociation with the pilot valve mechanism 12.

It will be understood that the portion of the cold water which passesthrough passageway means 70 and 71 to the pilot control valve mechanism14 is selectively permitted to flow directly into the discharge chamber28 by the selective operation of the solenoid coil 87 which serves tolift the needle valve 83 from the gasket member 74 :thereby permittingthe latter to lift from seat 80 similar to the operation for the pilotvalve assembly 12 as set forth hereinabove.

As stated, part of the hot water entering chamber 40 is diverted intothe secondary chamber 43 for passage into the central mixing chamber 29via the passageway or port 44. The entry of hot water into the mixingchamber 29 is controlled by the mixing assembly 15 comprising a pistonvalve 90 slidingly mounted in the chamber 29 as defined by the internalwall 68 of the housing. Piston 90 is formed substantially asacylindrical member with a radially inward extending skirt portion 91near itslower end which provides an internal platform support for thelower end of an override spring member 92. The upper end of spring 92 isengaged by .and held beneath radially extending mounting arms 93 of asaddle member 94 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, as shownclearly in Figure 3 of the drawings. This saddle member 94 and thespring 92 are held in assembled concentricity by'means of a snap ring 95engaged in an annular groove formed inwardly of the internal side wallsof the mixing piston'member 90. Surrounding the saddle member 94 in aconcentric manner and located radially inward of spring 92 is a secondspring 96, the upper end of which spring en- ;gages the underside of thearm portions 93'of the saddle member and the lower end of which engagesthe inside face of bottom wall 18 and the valve body 11. Spring '96opposes initial or normal downward movement of the mixing piston 90 asimposed by the activity of a power element type of thermostatic unit 98,known in the art. 'Both spring 92 and 96 are preloaded or prestressed intheir assembly in the mixing chamber 29.

The thermostatic unit 98 has an elongated'neck' portion 99 and anenlarged body portion 100 defined and characterized particularly by anenlarged flange section 101. The thermostatic element is responsive tosur rounding temperature and activates by elongating a movable element102 projecting axially outward at the lower end of neck portion 99thereof. The neck portion is piloted concentrically inward of the saddlemember 94 so that element 102, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, bears :againsta centrally located platform portion 103 of the saddle member.

The body portion 100 of the thermostatic element is stationary inoperation and extends through a central opening 104 formed in an elementplate 105; the em larged flange section 101 of the thermostatic elementbearing against the bottom face of such plate. The element plate coversover the upper end of the central chamber 29 as well as the upper end ofthe discharge chamber 28 to effectively seal off and separate such twochambers with respect to each other. Annular seal rings 106 and 107 arecompressed to eifect sealing engagement between the element plate, theupper end of wall 68 and the main body wall 21 of the housing 11.

Disposed about opening 104 in the element plate and immediately adjacentthe thermostatic unit so as to communicate with the mixing chamber 29are plural port means 108 and 109, as best viewed in Figure l of thedrawings. Plate 105 is also provided with a pair of concentric annularprojections 110 and 111 on the upper face thereof substantially oppositerecesses for receiving the seal rings 106 and 107. The innermost annularprojection 110 serves as a locating means for a substantially circularspacer ring 112 which is held beneath the cover plate 33 and serves todefine an upper mixing chamber portion 114.

Ring 112 has diametrically opposed openings 113 for the passage of fluidto and through a port or passageway means 115 which communicatesdirectly with the mixed water pilot control valve assembly 14.

In order to properly locate the circular element plate 104 in asubstantially oval-shaped recess formed by the wall 34 at the upper endof the housing, a plurality of guide keys or ribs 116 extend inwardly ofthe wall 34 to engage mating cut-outs in the periphery of the elementplate which is preferably rotated slightly, after insertion, therebycutting into the base of the ribs to lock the plate in position. As seenbest in Figure 1, in particular, element plate 105 may thus be insertedinto the recess 34 at the upper end of the valve body and held in properlocation and disposition in such recess by virtue of the interlockingarrangement of the specified slot and key arrangement so provided.

Passageway 115, as mentioned, leads to the pilot valve assembly 14 andparticularly intersects chamber 120 provided by the hollowed outinterior of the boss projection 24. The pilot valve assembly 14 like thetwo other pilot valve assemblies 12 and 13 previously described,includes a resilient gasket member 121 held by cage means 122 having theusual bleed port 123. A solenoid coil 124 serves to actuate a needlevalve core member 125 to close over a central opening 126 of the gasketmeans. Gasket means 121 seats against an annular seat portion 127 formedat the periphery of an outlet passageway means 128 communicatingdirectly 'with the substantially annular discharge chamber 28. The pilotvalve assembly 14, of course, moves within the chamber 120 in responseto water pressure on one side and the action of the needle valve coremember 125 on its opposite side; the latter operating in response toelectrical energization of the solenoid coil 124 according to knownconcepts.

With the arrangement thus described, cold water entering inlet 20 passesdirectly into passageway means 67 so as to surround the upper end of thepiston valve 90. If such piston valve is seated tightly against thesmooth lower face of the element plate 105, as shown in Figure 3, thecold water will be prevented from entering the mixing chamber 29surrounding the thermostatic element 98. Under proper thermalconidtions, however, piston 90 will be lowered sufficiently from itsFigure 3 position to permit the passage of cold water over the upper endof the piston 90 and into chamber 29 where it will admix with hot waterentering beneath the lower end of such piston 90 via the port orpassageway means 44. The water mixed in chamber 29 will pass upwardlythrough the ports 108 and 109 of the element plate to enter the uppermixing chamber 114 defined by the ring member 112. It should be notedthat the mixing piston assembly thus described may be replaced with anyone of the corresponding assemblies disclosed in my above 8 mentionedapplication Serial No. 547,110, now Patent No. 2,830,765.

Mixed water in the upper mixing chamber passes outwardly therefrom viathe exit ports 113 (shown best in Figure 6) to the substantially annularareaway surrounding the ring 112. Such mixed water is discharged intothe exit passageway means 115 to reach the mixed water pilot controlvalve assembly 14. Since the control valve assembly 14 operates in thesame manner as the pilot control valve assembly 12 heretofore described,energization of the solenoid coil 124 serves to lift the needle valvecore member 125 from the central opening 126 of the gasket member topermit the entry of the mixed water into discharge passageway means 128which communicates with the substantially annular discharge chamber 28.Passage of the water into chamber 28 outwardly of the valve body is bymeans of the discharge outlet 27 which communicates with such dischargechamber.

Having thus set forth the description of the elements and theirassociation in the improved valve means of my invention, the operatingcycles and control conditions of such valve will now be described.

Briefly, hot water entering inlet 40 is channeled via chamber passagewaymeans 42 to the control station for the pilot control valve assembly 12.Secondary chamber 43 and passageway 44 permit hot water to enter thelower end of the mixing piston cylinder and particularly the interior ofthe mixing piston 90, providing such piston is raised ofl of a lowerseat presented by the interior face of the wall 18 on the valve body.

With the pilot control valve mechanism 12 energized, hot water frominlet chamber 42 is discharged into the discharge chamber means 28 tosupply hot water at the discharge outlet 27 which is substantiallyunaltered in temperature except for heat losses occurring by the passageof such water through the valve body.

With the pilot control valve means 12 deenergized, hot water provided atthe passageway 44 at the lower end of the mixing chamber 29 will entersuch mixing chamber to surround the thermostatic element 98 causing thelatter to expand and particularly the lowermost end portion or movableelement 102 to move downwardly and axially relative to its .fixed bodyportion 100. As such end portion moves downwardly, it forces the saddlemember 94 against the compressive force of the preloaded springs 92 and96, particularly compressing the latter spring and moving the piston andspring 92 therewith. Sufiicient elevated temperatures of the hot waterwill serve to bottom the piston 90 against the bottom wall 18 of thevalve housing thereby completely shutting off the flow of hot waterthrough the mixing chamber. Continued expansion of the thermostaticelement is absorbed by movement of the saddle member 94 relative to thepiston against the compressive thrust of spring 92; spring 92 therebyserving to accommodate and to present an override function when abnormalthermal conditions exist within the mixing chamber. If the spring 92 wasnot thus provided, the abnormal expansion of the thermostatic unit 98would serve to rupture the piston and the lower valve seat provided bywall 18.

As the valve piston lowers, its upper end moves responsively away fromthe lower face of the element plate to permit cold water entering thecold water inlet 20 and flowing through passageway 67 to enter themixing chamber 29 over the upper edge of the piston 90. The introductionof cold water to chamber 29 permits intermingling thereof with the hotWater in that chamber and the upper mixing chamber 114 to arrive at afluid mixture of temperature intermediate the temperatures of the twosupply liquids or fluids. In this respect, it will be appreciated thatas cold water flows past the thermostatic element 98, the expansionthereof is dampened to effect the desired balance between the hot waterpassage beneath the lower end of the piston 90 and the cold waterpassageway overthe upperend of the piston 90.

Mixed water passes from chamber 115 outwardly through the exit ports 113through the downwardly directed outlet. passageway 115 to the controlzone for the pilot 7 control valve assembly 14.

Energization of the pilot control valve means 14 permits the escape ofthe intermixed water from passageway 115 to the discharge chamber 28 andthe discharge out- .let 27. While the above described intermixing actiontransversely related passageway means 71 leading directly to the coldwaterpilot control valve assembly 13.

Thus energization and deenergization of the pilot control valve assembly13 serves to control the passage of cold water directly into thedischarge chamber 28 and discharge outlet means 27.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the pilot control valvemeans 12 serves to selectively permit the passage of hot water directlyinto the discharge chamber 28, that the pilot control valve means 13serves to control the passage of cold water directly into the dischargechamber 28 and that the pilot control valve assembly 14 controls thepassage of an intermixture of hot and cold waters into the dischargepassageway 28. Therefore, the selective operation of the three pilotcontrol valve assemblies selectively permits thedischarge of hot, coldorintermixed hot and cold waters to the discharge outlet 27. Thus, forexample, if it is assumed that hot water is supplied at substantially180 F., cold water at substantially 40 F. and that the thermostatic unitis designed to produce a regulated mixture of 100 F., then theindividual operation of control valve means 12, 13 and 14 will,respectively, provide the dis charge of water at such three namedtemperatures.

In addition to the performance obtained by the selective energization ofany one of the three pilot control valve mechanisms individually, thereare also possibilities of obtaining discharge liquids of four additionaldifference temperatures by energizing two or more of the pilot controlvalve mechanisms in various combinations.

Thus, assuming the above named temperatures for the supply fluids andtheir thermostatically controlled intermixture and assuming further thatequal volumes of water at such three named temperatures are supplied todischarge passageway 28, although control of the volume of such fluidssupplied to chamber 28 may obviously be regulated and varied by designof the internal chambers and passageways of the valve body as desired,then simultaneous energization of the pilot control valve mechanisms 12and 13 will provide hot water at 180 F. and cold water at 40 F. inchamber 28 to discharge a mixture at a fourth temperature ofsubstantially 110 F.

If both the hot water control valve mechanism 12 plus the mixed Waterpilot control valve mechanism 14 are energized simultaneously, thendischarge chamber 28 will be provided with both the thermostaticallycontrolled mixture of the hot and cold supply fluids at 100 F. plus thesubstantially unaltered hot supply ,fluid at 180 F. to provide adischarge mixture having a fifth temperature of substantially 140 F.

If the cold water pilot control valve mechanism 13 and the mixed watercontrol valve mechanism 14 are simultaneously energized then thedischarge chamber 28 will be supplied with both the thermostaticallycontrolled mixture of hot and cold water at 100 F. plus at outlet 27having a temperature of substantially 70- F.

If all three of the pilot control valve mechanisms'12, 13 and 14 areenergized simultaneously, then admixture of both the hot and cold supplyliquids at 180 F. and 40 B, respectively, plus the thermostaticallycontrolled intermixture of such supply liquids at F. will occur inchamber 28 to achieve a discharge mixture at outlet 27 having a seventhtemperature of substantially It is to be understood, of course, thatsuch temperatures as specified hereinabove, are for purposes ofillustration only and are not to be construed as restrictive of theoperational results obtainable with my new valve.

It is believed from the foregoing description of the elements and theirorganization and operation, that those familiar in the art willappreciate and understand the remarkable versatility and accomplishmentof my present invention, It is further to be understood that while Ihave herein described and shown my invention as related to a preferredembodiment thereof and while I have specified certain operatingconditions at temperatures as might occur in its preferable application,nevertheless such limitations are for purposes of illustration only sothat while various changes, modifications and substitutions ofequivalent may be made in the structure shown and described,nevertheless such -will not depart from the spirit and scope of mypresent invention. Therefore, it is not my intention to be limited tothe particular form and features of my invention as herein described andshown except as may appear in the following appended claims.

I claim:

7 1. A .valve of the class described for intermixing hot and coldfluids, comprising, a main valve body, a cylindrical chamber disposedsubstantially centrally of said valve body, a substantially annularchamber within said valve body substantially surrounding said centralchamber, a hot fluid inlet, a cold fluid inlet, first pilot valve meanscontrolling the flow of fluid from said hot fluid inlet to said annularchamber, second pilot valve means controlling the flow of cold fluidfrom said cold fluid inlet to said annular chamber, a discharge outletcommunicating with said annular chamber, a mixing valve means in saidcentral chamber, thermostatic means motivating said mixing valve meansin a first direction, spring means opposing said thermostatic means andbiasing said mixing valve means in a second direction, first passagewaymeans communicating between said hot fluid inlet and one end of saidcentral chamber, second passageway means communicating between said coldfluid inlet and the opposite end of said central chamber, axial movementof said mixing valve means in said first and second directions servingto control and proportion the flow of said hot and cold fluids into theopposite ends of said central chamber for their intermixture adjacentand surrounding said thermostatic means, a third pilot valve meanscommunicating with said annular chamber, an outlet means leading fromsaid central chamber to said third pilot valve means whereby the flow ofintermixed fluids into said annular chamber is controlled by theoperation of said third pilot valve means, and means for selectivelyoperating said first, second and third pilot valve means individually orsimultaneously to achieve a plurality of intermixtures of said hot, coldand intermixed fluids in said annular chamber.

2. A mixing valve of the class described for intermixing hot and coldfluids, comprising, a main valve body, a substantially centrally locatedcylindrical chamber within said body, a substantially annular chamberwithin said valve body substantially surrounding said central chamber, ahot fluid inlet at one end of said valve body, a cold fluid inlet at thesame end of said valve body, first pilot control valve means controllingfluid flow from said hot fluid inlet to said annular chamber, secondpilot control means controlling fluid flow from said cold fluid inlet tosaid annular chamber, a discharge outlet communicating cold water at 40F. to achieve a sixth discharge mixture 7 with said annular chamber, apiston valve means in said central chamber, thermostatic meanscontrolling axial motivation of said piston valve means in a firstdirection, spring means opposing said thermostatic means and biasingsaid piston valve means in a second axial direction, first passagewaymeans communicating between said hot fluid inlet and one end of saidcentral chamber, second passageway means communicating between said coldfluid inlet and the opposite end of said central chamber, axial movement of said piston valve means in said first and second directionsserving to control and proportion the flow of fluids through said twonamed passageway means and into said central chamber to achieve anintermixture of preselected temperature, an outlet means leading fromsaid central chamber to a third pilot control valve means, and

third passageway means leading from said third pilot control valve meansto said substantially annular chamber, the operation of said third pilotcontrol valve means serving to regulate the passage of said intermixturefrom said central chamber to said annular chamber, an electricalsolenoid means associated with each of said pilot control valve meanscapable of being simultaneously or individually energized as selected toeffect corresponding actuation of said three named pilot control valvemeans whereby the discharge of fluid at any one of seven preselectedtemperatures may be achieved at said discharge outlet means.

3. A mixing valve of the class described for intermixing fluids ofdissimilar temperature, comprising, a main valve body, a substantiallycentrally located cylindrical chamber within said body, a substantiallyannular chamber within said valve body substantially surrounding saidcentral chamber, a first fluid inlet, a second fluid'inlet, first,second and third pilot control valve mechanisms in said body, athermostatically actuated mixing mechanism mounted in said centralchamber, first passageway means 12 communicating between said firstfluid inlet and said first pilot control valve mechanism, secondpassageway means communicating between said first pilot control valvemechanism and said annular chamber, third passageway means communicatingbetween said second fluid inlet and said second pilot control valvemechanism, fourth passageway means communicating between said secondpilot control valve mechanism and said annular chamber, fifth passagewaymeans communicating between said first fluid inlet and one end of saidcentral chamber, sixth passageway means communicating between saidsecond fluid inlet and the opposite end of said central chamber, seventhpassageway means communicating between said mixing mechanism and saidthird pilot control valve means, eighth passageway means communicatingbetween said third pilot control valve mechanism and said annularchamber, and a discharge outlet communicating with said annular chamber,said first and second pilot control valve means serving to control thepassage of said first and second fluids, respectively, directly intosaid annular chamber, said mixing valve serving to proportion theamounts of said first and second fluids entering said central chamber toproduce thereby an intermixture of said fluids of predeterminedtemperature, said third pilot control valve mechanism serving to controlthe flow of said intermixture to said annular chamber, and means forselectively operating each of said pilot control valve mechanismsindividually or two or more thereof simultaneously as desired.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,476,718 Leonard Dec. 11, 1923 2,332,995 Eaton Oct. 26, 1943 2,453,409Chace Nov. 9, 1948 2,620,133 Obermaier Dec. 2, 1952

